Brighton & Hove City Council approves further £3million to move forward restoration of Madeira Terrace

Councillor Jacob Taylor, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and City Regeneration, said: “We are committed to the restoration of Madeira Terrace and want to proceed with it as soon as possible. That’s why we called an urgent cabinet meeting to make a decision and get moving.

“While the sum is large, the opportunity to take a major step forward to restore some pride in the east of the city must not be missed.” 

As well as restoring 28 arches and bays, Phase 1 will also include:

• A new lift to ensure “access for all”;
• Full replacement of the upper deck with a waterproofed deck, infrastructure for canopies / shades and for pop-up events;
• Painting with a system “guaranteed to perform better in coastal conditions than traditional materials available to the Victorians”;
• Refacing and regreening the Green Wall where possible;
• A new staircase down from the deck near Concorde 2 and Shelter Hall;
• Reinstatement of the planted verges at Madeira Drive level;
• A more pedestrian friendly layout in front of the Terrace, providing beach access for all and including two new crossing points;
• Seating to the upper deck encouraging people to sit and enjoy the views.

Council Leader Bella Sankey added: “There has been strong public support for the restoration among residents and businesses, as well as from heritage organisations such as Historic England and the Victorian Society. We hope that completing this first phase will showcase how the Terrace can be successfully restored.”

“We are serious about finding a long-term solution to restoring and maintaining this iconic part of our historic seafront. As the project moves forward we will be seeking ideas from residents, local businesses and investors on how the restoration of the rest of the arches can be funded in a way Brighton-friendly way.

“This is just the first phase of the restoration. We will not rest until all of the arches are restored.”